How To Storm-Proof Your House

Your best defense against tumultuous weather is to storm-proof your house so that you’re prepared in the worst case scenario.

All across America, people face severe weather such as blizzards, hail storms, tornados, hurricanes, and more. Each region in the United States comes with various types of storms that can hit hard, and as weather patterns begin to shift, more and more areas and their residents are affected by these intense conditions. If a storm is headed your way, one of the best things you can do to prepare for extreme weather is to storm-proof your home.

Read more about how you can storm-proof your property below.

How to Storm-Proof Your House

Many different types of storms include strong winds. Below you’ll find three easy things you can do to storm-proof your home:

  • Prepare Your Roof — Heavy snowfall, intense winds, and other types of severe weather can wreak havoc on your roof, especially in weak areas. Taking some time to repair your roof before a storm can help prevent leaks and further damage. So, a few days before a forecasted storm, carefully climb atop your roof to inspect it. Look for any signs of damage, such as shingles with cracks or rips, and for spots with missing shingles. 

    For any shingles that have become loose, lift their bottom edges and apply adhesive caulk to their underside, then press down firmly with your foot, applying plenty of pressure for several minutes so it can adequately set. For cracked or torn shingles, use the caulk directly on the tear to seal it. If you would rather, call a professional to take care of the inspection and repairs.
  • Get Your Windows Ready — Glass is obviously fragile and is susceptible to damage during extreme storms. Unfortunately, windows are not exempt. If a major storm is coming your way, your best safeguard against shattered windows is to install and use storm shutters or to board them up with plywood.
    For areas that experience severe weather conditions frequently, storm shutters might be your best option. Storm shutters are an effective solution to broken windows during storms. They come in several different styles, including accordion, roll-down, and more.
  • Stop Potential Damage — It’s important to take some time to batten down the hatches when you know a storm is coming. Take a walk around your property and address any loose ends or projects you need to finish before the storm hits. For example:
  • Clean your gutters. Big storms often come with rain, and your gutter system needs to be working efficiently. 
  • Trim overhanging branches. Whether you hire a professional or DIY, remove dead branches, weighty fruits (like coconuts), and any tree limbs that could cause damage.
  • Bring in your outdoor furnishings. Move your outdoor furniture, grill, trampoline, and anything else that might blow away to a safer spot.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

Unfortunately, taking time to storm-proof your house doesn’t guarantee your property will make it out without a scratch or two.

When disaster strikes, it’s important to have a trusted and experienced restoration team on speed dial, like the experts at Black Diamond Restoration. We are Utah’s local disaster remediation professionals and are ready to help you restore your home after fire and smoke, water and flood, storm disasters, and more. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies. Contact the specialists at Black Diamond Restoration today. We serve Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties.

How to Avoid Fire Hazards in Your Bedroom

The bedroom is full of fire hazards that you must avoid to stay safe. Sadly, not many homeowners know what constitutes a danger.

Each year, many fires begin in the bedroom, which is thought to be one of the more dangerous places for a fire to start because it is where people sleep. Unfortunately, many people have died because of bedroom fires. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent bedroom fires from occurring, making your bedroom a safe and cozy retreat right in the comforts of your own home.

Read more below on steps you can take to avoid these hazards in your bedroom.

Best Practices to Avoid Fire Hazards in Your Room

There are many activities that people do in their bedrooms that can cause serious fire hazards. Protect yourself and your loved ones by implementing these best practices:

  • Avoiding using wax and wick candles and replace them with a flameless, battery-operated option.
  • Keep electric cords (including extension cords) from running under your bed and rugs. You should keep cords from being trapped against furniture and walls and keep cords untangled to allow them to dissipate heat and avoid heat build-up easily.
  • Always supervise space heaters wherever they are in use. Turn them off and unplug them when you leave the room and especially when you go to sleep.
  • Do not smoke in your bedroom, especially while in bed. Roaming ashes or the cigarette itself can catch fire. Instead, use fire-safe cigarettes outside that extinguish quicker.
  • Place charging devices and items on nonflammable furniture and avoid putting them on or beneath your bed.
  • Mattresses in each bedroom should meet current standards for flammability.
  • Installing arc fault circuit interrupters will help prevent electrical switch and outlet fires. If an electric arc is detected, the breaker will immediately shut off the circuit.
  • Put a fire escape plan in place with whom you reside. Each bedroom should have two escape options, such as a door and window escape (with a ladder, if necessary). Conduct a fire drill where you can practice your plan a few times every year.
  • If you use electric warmers or blankets, make sure that they are laboratory-approved and that you do not forcibly fold them (this could damage interior wires). Avoid sleeping while using them, and look for signs of overheating often.
  • Make sure there are functioning smoke detectors in each bedroom. These units should be tested regularly, batteries replaced each year and replaced every decade with new sensors.
  • Keep a three or more foot buffer between any flammable objects and heat sources of any kind, such as electronics, space heaters, and open flames.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

Avoid fire hazards by following these simple tips.

Unfortunately, fires can still occur in your home, and it is important to be prepared if an accident were to strike. Be prepared by keeping the number and information of an experienced and knowledgeable restoration company on hand, like Black Diamond Restoration. 

Our skilled technicians are experts in fire, smoke, mold, and flood rendition in Provo, Orem, and neighboring Utah cities. Our trusted team of remediation specialists are avoidable for 24/7 emergency service and are dedicated to restoring and reconstructing your home. Contact our team today.

What To Do About Mold in Your Carpet

Mold in your carpet can wreak serious havoc on your home and family’s health, so it’s best to take care of it right away.

Whether mold is in the corner in your bathroom or under your sink, it’s a problem no homeowner wants to tackle but needs to address—and mold in your carpet is no exception!

With all the traffic and use that carpeted areas get, it’s no surprise that so many homes end up with mold in the carpet. Did you know that carpet is one of the dirtiest components in your home? Because carpet can be plush and comfortable, spills and messes are quickly soaked deep into the fibers and pad beneath the carpet, leading to more severe issues than just stains. Unfortunately, these innocent spills and messes are the perfect breeding grounds for various types of mold.

Is there mold in your floor? Continue reading to learn what you should do to stop its growth.

Signs Your Carpet is Moldy

Mold is a challenging problem, and unfortunately, the issue begins way before you can even see the mold! Once you can actually see mold spreading, you have a much bigger problem than you might realize. Thankfully, there are ways to detect mold before it’s visible to the naked eye. If a musty or mildewy smell is present, you may have a mold problem. If your carpet is damp or wet, there could be mold on it. Lastly, if there are discolored areas in your carpet, it could be a sign of mold.

What to Do if You Find Mold in Your Carpet

Since removing mold from your home, especially carpet, is a complicated process, it’s best to leave mold remediation to a professional. With their experience and specific knowledge, a professional thoroughly understand the unseen dangers of mold, how to remove it, and clean the contaminated area. With the use of their professional equipment and products, they can effectively and efficiently restore your property to its former, healthy state.

Ways to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Carpet

Here’s what you can do to help prevent mold from growing beneath your carpet:

  • Check for signs of carpet mold by inspecting it often
  • Keep the humidity in your home under control
  • Choose high-quality carpet and carpet pads
  • Install carpet in smart places, meaning keep the carpet in areas where mold growth is unlikely (like, out of bathrooms)
  • Regularly clean your carpets
  • Address problems immediately to prevent the spread of carpet mold

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

If there’s mold in your carpet, it’s crucial to address the issue right away. For homes and businesses in the Utah County area, make sure to contact the expert remediation specialists at Black Diamond Restoration.

Mold is a serious problem, and if it is not properly controlled, it can become an even bigger issue and impact your health. Thankfully, our skilled technicians are experts in controlling moisture in your home and limiting future contamination. Contact us today and let our professionals restore your property’s healthy environment. 

We proudly serve Orem, Provo, and most surrounding cities in Utah.

Signs of Water Damage

A common problem, especially among older homes with old plumbing, is water damage, and knowing the signs of water damage is a must.

Water damage is such a headache and hassle for homeowners because of the immense damage it can cause to your home. Even the smallest of leaks can harm your house’s structural integrity and lead to serious hazards within your home. Catching water damage early can make a huge difference in the cost and time it takes to repair your property, so knowing what to look for is imperative.

Continue reading to learn the five signs of water damage below.

    1. Stains and Discolored Areas on Walls and Ceilings — Many times, water damage is undeniable and apparent. Discolored spots on your ceiling or walls are an obvious sign of water damage. Watch for wet or dark areas that appear in your home, especially during the days following heavy rain or snowfall.
    2. Musty, Moldy, or Damp Scent — One of the biggest signs of leaks and water damage is a musty, moldy, or damp smell in your home. As time passes, wet areas in your home, such as the drywall or framing, will begin to smell. It’s similar to the smell your laundry gets when you don’t move it into the dryer for a day or two. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as simply rewashing the load. This water damage smell in your home is often accompanied by other, more serious problems, like mold.
    3. Increased Utility Bills — Other times, water damage is not always visible, but you can keep your eye out for other signs. If your utility bill has suddenly spiked for no apparent reason, this could indicate there’s a hidden leak in your house.
    4. Bubbling, Flaking, or Cracking Paint and Drywall — In addition to stains and discolored spots on your walls and ceilings, you may notice areas that are bubbling, flaking, or cracking. Even if stains are not apparent, if you see part of your ceiling sagging and taking on the appearance of a water balloon, chances are there’s a leak in your home that can lead to serious water damage.
    5. Outdated Appliances and Plumbing — The outdated plumbing and old appliances in your home don’t automatically mean there’s water damage. However, they are often paired together. Pipes, faucets, and worn-out appliances can rust out and burst, causing significant problems that lead to water damage. Always conduct yearly inspections of your plumbing and water supply, and remember to stick to a regular maintenance schedule for the appliances in your home.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

Water Damage can wreak havoc on your home if not fixed quickly—don’t let damage go unchecked! 

The moment you detect signs of water damage in your Salt Lake City, Utah, home, it’s essential to address the problem. The experienced crew at Black Diamond Restoration is here to help. Our team of licensed professionals are available 24/7 for emergency services to help you in your time of need and can provide relief in the event your home suffers damage to fire and smoke, water and floods, mold, and more. Contact our experts today. We serve Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis counties.

5 Emergency Items All Homes Should Have

Disaster can strike at any moment, so being prepared with all the essential emergency items is wise.

An intense storm or natural disaster can leave your home without power and can impact your ability to leave for hours or days at a time. Outside of an emergency action plan, you and your family should always have a handful of emergency items ready and easily accessible by each member of your family.

Read more about the five essential items every home should have below.

1. First-Aid Kit

Arguably the most important emergency item to have on hand is a fully stocked first-aid kit. In extreme situations, having a complete first-aid kit could be a matter of life or death. A partially stocked kit will not be able to serve you the same way a fully stocked kit can. If you use your first-aid kit often, replenish any items you have used or that have expired. Additionally, if any family members require specific medication, make sure to include that in your first-aid kit.

Moreover, you will want to familiarize yourself with basic first-aid skills, such as CPR, how to stop bleeding, setting a splint, the Heimlich Maneuver, and more so that you can help someone in the event of an accident. This kit and your knowledge could save a life!

2. Food and Water

If emergency strikes, you may not be able to leave your home to get food at the grocery store, and the water supply could become contaminated. Because of this, it is important to always have a gallon of water per person per day and enough non-perishable food for your family for at least three days. Always keep an eye on your emergency stash, watching for expiring food. Swap it out whenever necessary, and make sure to include a can opener if your stockpile includes canned goods.

3. Flashlights

In events where you are left without power, having several flashlights on hand is helpful. If you prefer candles to flashlights, use extreme caution. Never go to sleep with candles burning and do not let children or pets play near them.

4. Communication Methods

Stay up-to-date in an emergency with a hand-crank radio. Make sure to pack additional phone chargers in your 72-hour kit and a whistle. If cellphones are not working, you may want to use walkie talkies if your family members have to split up but still need to communicate.

5. Personal Documents

Items like your driver’s license, birth certificates, passport, prescription, proof of address, etc., may come in handy in an emergency. Make sure to have hard copies in a waterproof folder ready to go in a place that you can easily access them. Additionally, remember to include a pen and pad of paper and your emergency contact list. Include the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your parents, siblings, children, close friends, doctors, insurance company, and your trusted restoration company.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

In some extreme cases, having these emergency items in your home can be the difference in survival. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a natural disaster can leave your home in its own state of emergency, and calling in an experienced restoration service company like Black Diamond Restoration is necessary.

Let our certified and fully licensed technicians quickly and efficiently get you back into your Davis, Salt Lake, or Utah County home. Our team is available 24/7, whenever disaster strikes. Contact us for all of your remediation, restoration, and reconstruction needs.

Tips for Safely Using Fireplaces

With winter fast approaching, people all across the nation will be lighting up their fireplaces to heat their homes.

If your home features a fireplace, you understand the cozy and warm feeling it brings. However, fireplaces can be extremely dangerous, and using them carefully and responsibly is necessary for the safety of you and your loved ones. The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly one-third of home fires involve a fireplace and chimney. Thankfully, there are numerous steps you can take to prevent smoke and fire damage in your home.

Continue scrolling for several safety tips when using your fireplace this winter season.

Safe Fireplace Practices

  • Before “fireplace season” begins, hire a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney. They will be able to remove creosote and any other obstructions, like raccoon or bird nests.
  • Frequently examine your chimney cap. If it has become damaged, make sure to repair or replace it. If your chimney does not have one, get one professionally installed with wire-mesh to prevent animals and debris from going inside your chimney.
  • Only use the fireplace when a fire extinguisher is in the room.
  • Use a flashlight or mirror to ensure your damper is opened.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Make sure they are all interconnected so that when one goes off, they all do.
  • Supervise children and pets whenever the fireplace is in use. Teach them fire safety rules and practices.
  • Never leave a fire unattended. Do not leave the house or go to sleep with a fire burning.
  • Make sure the wood you use is dry and seasoned and is cut to the correct size.
  • Keep any flammable objects, like newspapers, books, blankets, furniture, holiday decor, and wood, at least a couple of feet from the fireplace.
  • Use a fireplace screen made of glass or metal mesh to prevent embers from spitting out of your fireplace.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start your fire. Instead, use crumpled up paper and kindling. Once the kindling is brightly burning, you can add firewood and close your screen.
  • Do not overload the fireplace with logs.
  • Only use fireplace tools to maintain the fire.
  • Never burn plastic, trash, or any other toxic materials.
  • Only close the damper once the embers have completely cooled.
  • Avoid additional smoke by removing any ashes from previous fires only after they are 100% cool before properly disposing of them.
  • Place ashes in a non-flammable, metal container that closes tightly. Keep it outside and at least 10-12 feet away from your home or other structure. Do not discard ashes in wooded or grassy areas until they are completely cooled.

Contact the Professionals at Black Diamond Restoration

Unfortunately, even the most responsible homeowner may experience an accident when it comes to fireplaces. A fire can cause extensive and long-lasting damage to your home. If your house has suffered smoke or fire damage, call the experienced professionals at Black Diamond Restoration. Our knowledgeable and skilled technicians have decades of experience and can restore your home to its former state, whether it has endured smoke, fire, water, mold damage, and more. Our team is available 24/7 for quick and responsive service.

Contact us today. We serve Salt Lake City, Layton, Provo, Orem, and neighboring cities in Utah.

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional to Deal with Mold

Most homeowners don’t want to deal with mold, understandably. Not only is it unsightly, but it poses a safety hazard to their family. 

Mold poses serious health concerns because it can go undetected in your house for months or even years. It can hide under your sink, behind walls and tiles, in your ceiling, and many other places. For these reasons and more, it’s critical to your health that your mold problem is detected early and properly handled by a professional remediation specialist.

Continue scrolling to learn five reasons why you should always hire a professional when dealing with mold.

Here’s Why You Should Leave Mold Remediation to the Pros

  1. Receive an Accurate Mold Evaluation — Many homeowners do not know enough about mold to spot it, let alone remove it. A professional mold remediation specialist will be able to find the source and assess the issue accurately. Only after a professional evaluates the problem, treatment and removal can take place.
  2. Correct Mold Treatment — It’s essential to find a knowledgeable and skilled mold remediation expert for the job. An experienced professional will know how to properly seal off mold, control the environment’s humidity levels, remove the mold, and thoroughly clean up once the mold is gone. Moreover, a professional has the necessary equipment, products, and supplies to handle the job, whether the mold is on tile, wood, paper, ceilings, walls, or someplace else.
  3. Prevent Future Mold Problems — When moisture is not controlled and mold is not treated properly, the mold will likely return. A professional remediation specialist knows how to deal with the mold so that it doesn’t come back. Their professional equipment, products, and methods will help reduce the spread of spores, thus lessening the chances of another problem. A knowledgeable technician will identify, control, and correct humidity issues, leaking pipes, and other pesky moisture sources. Lastly, they’ll replace affected areas and materials to their former, healthy state.
  4. Receive Insider Tips on Mold Prevention — A professional mold remediation expert will be able to offer you several insider tips and tricks on how to keep your home mold-free. You’ll learn safer practices, better habits, and necessary ventilation straight from the professional’s mouth. 
  5. Save Your Time and Money — In an effort to save money, some homeowners choose to tackle mold problems themselves. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work. Between purchasing multiple products and supplies that don’t work well and the time spent trying to remediate the issue, the money and time invested in removing the mold yourself is far more than it would be if you had hired a professional in the first place.

Contact the Black Diamond Restoration Professionals

If you don’t want to deal with mold in your Salt Lake City home, it’s important to address the problem right away with the help of a professional. The water damage, disaster, and mold remediation experts at Black Diamond Restoration can help. Our skilled technicians will efficiently handle your mold issue, restoring your home to a safe and comfortable place.

Contact our disaster remediation experts today. We serve Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties.

What is an Air Scrubber?

An air scrubber can benefit your home and business’s air quality, but should everyone invest in one?

Usually, when you hear the word “pollution,” you may be thinking about the smog that collects above major urban cities, or the gunk being poured into lakes and oceans by large manufacturing plants. However, air pollution can be in the place you would least expect—your own home. 

Air quality is important to many individuals, and we would argue that more people should be proactive about preventing air pollution in their living spaces. Today, we will cover all the basics of air pollution inside homes and methods for reducing the pollution you experience. 

Information on Air Quality

Your indoor air quality (IAQ) can have a dramatic effect on your health and well-being. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that indoor air pollution is in the top five dangers threatening the planet today. All individuals can be affected by polluted, improperly circulated air, but it can be particularly harmful to people with the following conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Migraines
  • Sinus infections
  • Pregnancy
  • COVID-19

Air Scrubber Basics 

An air scrubber is a device that is retrofitted to your HVAC unit and purifies the air with germicidal UV light. As air passes through the specialized filter, UV rays kill all forms of contaminants (most filters simply trap them). Furthermore, through the scrubber’s catalytic process, these contaminants are oxidized and ionized to actively combat contaminants inside your home. These supercharged particles are the tiny “air scrubbers” that flow throughout the air in your structure, using antimicrobial properties to clean both air and surfaces. 

Benefits of Air Scrubbers

There are a variety of reasons for choosing this device for your HVAC unit, and the benefits are widespread. Here are a few of the excellent reasons you should consider investing in one: 

  • Purifies the air of toxins and allergens
  • Eliminates smoke odor
  • Removes pet odors and contaminants
  • Eliminates mold
  • Extends the life of your HVAC system
  • Improves health
  • Results in better sleep

Should You Get an Air Scrubber? 

This device is beneficial for every home and office building, but some people may be more inclined to adopt it. Restoration specialists who are working on compromised locations to improve the safety of the air usually use air scrubbers. For example, first responders used air scrubbers at the Pentagon following the deadly attacks of 9/11 to cleanse the smoky air throughout the structure. This machine can help in homes and businesses that have experienced a disaster, such as a fire or flood, since the resulting smoke and mold can be harmful to your health. 

 

Finally, you should consider adding a scrubber to your HVAC if you have respiratory conditions or immunocompromised individuals live in your home. Cleaner air can mean better health for those with asthma, respiratory disease, and may fight the airborne contagion of COVID-19. 

Black Diamond Restoration Can Help

The team at Black Diamond Restoration has learned a lot about air quality and repairing homes and businesses after disaster damage, so we are ready to answer your questions about fighting mold, removing smoke damage, and more. We serve Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties in Utah.

5 Tips to Stay Safe in an Earthquake

Natural disasters can be terrifying and devastating, but it is vital to know how to stay safe in an earthquake. 

When an earthquake occurs, it can create serious destruction, and they are often followed by fires, flooding, tsunamis, avalanches, or landslides. Fortunately, most earthquakes are minor, but even a minor shake can cause damage. Larger earthquakes can be lethal and completely change the landscape.

It is critical that you know what to do in the event of an earthquake, and not just at home. You need to know how to stay safe in an earthquake no matter where you are or what time of day. 

How Can My Family Stay Safe in an Earthquake? 

  1. Educate Yourself. Learn more about earthquakes in your region. If you live in an earthquake hotspot (California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Alaska, etc.), you should understand how frequently you can expect earthquakes, when the last one occurred, and how they can impact your region. Make sure you know where you can receive help and get to know your neighbors.
  2. Earthquake-Proof Your Home. Use anchors to secure your heavy furniture, such as bookcases and appliances. Even when you think they will not move, heavy objects can tip and hurt individuals. Additionally, you should check your home insurance policy—most do not cover earthquakes. We recommend adding earthquake insurance to your policy if you live in an earthquake state.
  3. Prepare Beforehand. Create a 72-hour emergency kit that contains clothing, food, batteries, matches and candles, and water to last you at least three days. Make sure they are accessible and kept up-to-date. Walk through your emergency plans with your family or coworkers so that you are ready when an earthquake occurs. Consider meeting places, and be sure that everyone knows where to locate food, water, and first aid kits.
  4. Drop, Cover, and Hold On. In almost all circumstances, your response to an earthquake should be to drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to the ground to minimize the chances of objects falling on you or losing your balance. Crawl or roll to cover, such as a table or chair that will protect your head and neck. Use your arms and hands to cover your neck if you are not underneath a protective surface. Hold on to whatever is nearest you, like a table, chair, post, or wall. If you are in a car, pull over and set your brake.
  5. Stay Where You Are. In general, we recommend staying where you are. Do not try to shelter in a door frame. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors and move away from buildings or structures, as they may fall. If you are indoors, stay indoors until you are certain the earthquake and all aftershocks have passed. Then move outside so that you are safe from damaged buildings falling.

 

Contact Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration

Once you have survived an earthquake, you need to ensure you can get out of your place of shelter safely and that any injuries are managed immediately. Then you can work on assessing the damage. Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration can help you recover from any type of natural disaster so that you can return to your home or business safety. We serve Salt Lake County, Utah.  

Cleaning Your Window Wells: How It Can Prevent Water Damage

Regularly cleaning your window wells is critical, yet many homeowners fail to see the importance of maintaining them to prevent water damage. 

Window wells are an International Residential Code safety requirement for any home to provide egress in the event of a disaster or threat of danger; however, they can also create a dangerous situation if they aren’t built and managed properly.

Today, we’ll cover the basics of water damage, window well maintenance, and keeping your home safe and clean. 

Water Damage

Basements are notorious for flooding and water damage because they’re lower than ground level. Gravity dictates that water will flow to the lowest possible plane, so if there’s an option for water to leak into a basement through window wells or foundation cracks, you’ll find yourself in inches (or feet) of water. 

Water damage can occur whether there’s inches or feet of water. Certainly a flood of multiple feet of water will create more damage and significant issues, but even a small leak that’s allowing water into your home over time can cause mold. Sadly, even minimal water damage can cause increased cracking and crumbling to your home’s foundation, and it may serve as an invitation for pests. 

Window Wells & Water Damage

Your window wells provide an easy point of access for water and other forms of damage, especially if you neglect them. It’s much more than just some water stains around the windows, or rainwater seeping through the window during heavy storms. The following problems can occur when your window well doesn’t properly drain and protect against water damage:

  • Humidity levels rise—and not in the way that benefits you. Basements suffer from air flow and circulation issues, so increased moisture can damage property and lead to our next problem. 
  • Mold and mildew will grow and spread throughout your basement, and eventually, the rest of your home. Mold can cause serious respiratory and other health issues. 
  • Pests are attracted to areas with water, and leaks will show them the way into your home. 
  • A leak will create more work for your home’s air conditioner, heating, and electrical network. Humid air means more work, and so does hot or cold air from outside that is seeping into your home through leaks. 
  • Tiny cracks or pores in your foundation can fill with water, which then expands when it freezes in winter months—creating more damage. 

The Importance of Cleaning Your Window Wells

The best way to prevent these elements of damage is to keep your window well free and clear of debris. Check regularly for signs of water damage, cracks, pests moving in, or changes in your utility bills. When you experience rain or flooding issues, such as a broken sprinkler spilling large amounts of water, monitor your window well to ensure proper drainage. 

Black Diamond Restoration Can Fix Water Damage

If you’re experiencing issues with your window wells or basement leaks, the experts at Black Diamond Restoration can find the source, fix it, and eliminate the damage. If cleaning your window wells doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to call, since water damage can be corrosive. We serve Salt Lake County.